The flotation of auriferous pyrite with a mixture of collectors

Dithiocarbonates (xanthates) have been the most widely used collectors in sulphide mineral flotation. More recently, research has resulted in the use of trithiocarbonate (TTC) collectors. The present study focuses on the effect of mixtures of C 12 trithiocarbonate (C 12 TTC) and sodium iso-butyl xan...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of mineral processing Vol. 86; no. 1; pp. 85 - 93
Main Authors Makanza, A.T., Vermaak, M.K.G., Davidtz, J.C.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 28.03.2008
Subjects
Auriferous pyrite
Flotation
Precious metal ores
Uranium
Auriferous pyrite
Flotation
Uranium
Precious metal ores
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Dithiocarbonates (xanthates) have been the most widely used collectors in sulphide mineral flotation. More recently, research has resulted in the use of trithiocarbonate (TTC) collectors. The present study focuses on the effect of mixtures of C 12 trithiocarbonate (C 12 TTC) and sodium iso-butyl xanthate (SIBX) in the flotation of auriferous pyrite and the associated gold and uranium from cyanidation tailings. Improved gold and uranium flotation responses were observed with collector mixtures than with SIBX alone. Sulphur recoveries were not affected. Mineralogical analysis of flotation concentrates showed that gold and uranium were also hosted by kerogen. It was therefore proposed that the improved recoveries could have been mostly due to higher kerogen recovery rather than synergism in pyrite flotation. This mechanism opens possibilities into maximising uranium recoveries in auriferous flotation circuits where low recoveries are common.
ISSN:0301-7516
1879-3525
DOI:10.1016/j.minpro.2007.11.004